Can Supplements Boost My Sun Defense?
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It's common knowledge that vitamins are good for you -- but can some also protect you from a sun burn? An expert explains supplements and skincare.
Question: "Can vitamin supplements boost the skin's sun defenses?"
Answer: Don't toss your sunscreen just yet, cautions Nicholas Lowe, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. "While some studies suggest that taking antioxidants may result in a milder sunburn, more research is still needed." Because sunburn was merely reduced in these studies, antioxidants-such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E-shouldn't be your first line of defense. "Supplements may increase protection, but they're not a sunscreen alternative," Dr. Lowe states.
Originally published in Fitness magazine.
